𝙅𝙐𝙉𝙀 2018, eli moskowitz/hawk

07

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 / ❛ canyon ❜

[ episode nine, different but same ]

Marlee glided smoothly over the concrete of the skatepark, her skateboard carrying her effortlessly through the twists and turns of the ramps. The crisp evening air whistled in her ears as she bent low, her eyes scanning the landscape for her next trick. With a sharp kick, she sent her board flipping through the air, landing it cleanly.

She loved the freedom of skating—no expectations, no drama, just her and the board. It wasn't about impressing anyone, just that rush of adrenaline and satisfaction when she nailed a trick.

Pulling up at the edge of a half-pipe, she took a swig from her water bottle, wiping sweat off her brow. She watched a few other skaters attempt tricks, some nailing them, others wiping out. Her gaze landed on someone she hadn't noticed before—a guy with long hair tucked under a beanie, effortlessly gliding up and down the ramps like he was born to skate.

He launched himself off the lip of a ramp, his board flipping beneath him before he landed cleanly. Marlee tilted her head, impressed. The guy had skill.

"Nice kickflip," she called out, her voice cutting through the sound of wheels grinding against concrete.

The guy slowed to a stop, one foot resting on the tail of his board. He turned to her, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Thanks. You're not too bad yourself—been watching you hit those ramps."

Marlee grinned, leaning on her board. "Not my first time here. You new to this spot?"

"Something like that," he replied, shrugging casually. "Just figured I'd check it out. Didn't expect to see anyone else actually good."

"Flattery'll get you nowhere," she teased, her grin widening.

He chuckled, glancing around the park. "This place is decent. Better than the parking lot I usually practice in."

"Parking lot?" Marlee raised a brow. "What, the ramps too intimidating?"

"More like no other options," he shot back, his tone light but with a hint of truth behind it.

Marlee tilted her head, studying him. "Well, parking lot practice seems to have paid off. You've got good balance—better than most of the guys here."

"Appreciate it," he said, his smirk softening into a genuine smile.

Marlee gestured toward the half-pipe. "You wanna go a round? See if you can keep up?"

The guy's grin widened, his confidence showing. "You sure you're ready for that?"

"Oh, I'm ready," she said, stepping back onto her board and rolling a few feet away. "Try to keep up, skater boy."

He chuckled, kicking off to follow her. "Skater boy, huh? Alright, let's see what you've got."

They spent the next hour weaving in and out of ramps, exchanging tricks and playful jabs. Marlee found herself laughing more than she had expected, the weight of her usual routine lifting with every turn and flip.